India, Russia ties under strain?

NEW DELHI: India and Russia appear to be grappling with the changes in their once enduring friendship. “The new India and the new Russia have yet to work out their equations. Though the framework is in place yet the fit is no longer perfect,” said a Russian diplomat, who did not wish to be named. “These are minor hiccups which will be rectified as we go along,” he added.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is visiting Moscow on Sunday for the official annual summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid speculations that Moscow wants to downgrade the level of the visit. “Relations with Russia are under a cloud, whether we admit it or not. This is mainly because of the pro-American tilt of the UPA government,” said analyst Bhadrakumar.

“Despite the charade of fair procurement of arms, the fact remains all arms deals will now go to America and Israel,’’ he added. Indian officials have denied these reports. “This is the most important annual meeting between the two leaders. The PM is going to Moscow at the invitation of Putin,”an Indian official explained.